Basel vs Aston Villa Match Thread

[usav]

Does this last week or so mean the starting left-back role has officially transferred from Digne to Maatsen?

[lovejoy]

Pretty much bang in line with what most people wanted on the pre-match thread I reckon. Leaving Emi1 out altogether feels little risky though.

You should come on this forum more often, he got pelters for his back spasm issue. Rest makes sense.

[Dave]

Does this last week or so mean the starting left-back role has officially transferred from Digne to Maatsen?

Interesting thought. This would definitely be a typical Maatsen game.

[PeterWithesShin]

Martinez skiving off for a midweek game yet again.

[andyh]

Bloody hell, a Christmas miracle !!!!!!

Rogers gets a rest.

[rob_bridge]

Tricky game but glad to see rotation. Another ppportunity for Bizot Guessand, Sancho and Lindelof to improve.

Is it my imagination or is Maatsen slowly becoming first choice at LB?

Any more news on Elliot? I suppose we have 4 more games in December so he could feature Sunday but not likely.

[Pete3206]

Guessand gets another chance. Ho hum.

[Hookeysmith]

I hope they are crap as that is a weak team

[andyh]

And no sign of the lesser spotted Elliot. I thought he’d travelled.
Maybe there is a deal to increase his air miles.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Thought Guessand was "injured"

[walsall villain]

Pretty much bang in line with what most people wanted on the pre-match thread I reckon. Leaving Emi1 out altogether feels little risky though.

Not surprised re Martinez as he was a doubt for the Arsenal game.

[usav]

I hope they are crap as that is a weak team

They are not, especially at home.  I would think a draw would be a good result.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Comfortable with the defence and the two main midfielders. The forward line need to be on it though.

Disappointed Watkins isn't starting. A few goals would get him back fully firing plus another missed opportunity to give him a chance together with Malen.

Big game for Guessand and Sancho.

[SaddVillan]

Resting quite a few for Sunday

Dibu
Pau
Maatsen
Kamara
Youri
SJM
Rogers
Olllie

8 first-teamers.

Just need to win tonight.

[Chip Butty 111]

My only concerns with that line up is around Malen getting any help from Guessand and Sancho, who have spent most of the season running into dead ends. Time for them to show us what they are about.